Leukoplakia of the cervix (cervicalleukoplakia) is a pathology that affects the cervix and causes keratinization of squamous epithelial cells. In a normal state, the inner surface of the vagina and cervix are a delicate mucous membrane of a light pink color, similar to the inner surface of the cheek, for example. When the disease occurs, keratinized areas of a pale color or white plaques appear on the mucous membrane, which is why it got its name: leukoplakia in translation from ancient Greek means "white plaque". There are two forms of leukoplakia: simple and scaly. The simple form is sometimes not noticeable during a routine gynecological examination and can only be detected during a colposcopy. The scaly form is clearly visible and can be diagnosed during an examination. Among the diseases of the cervix, leukoplakia occupies a special position, since its origin and the possibility of its transformation into a malignant formation have not been fully clarified.

Causes of pathology

Modern medical research indicates many factors that can cause cervical leukoplakia:

• transferred infectious diseases;
• traumatic effects on the mucosa during labor or abortion, surgical interventions;
• incorrect or untimely treatment of other pathologies of the cervix (erosion, for example);
• in women of reproductive age, leukoplakia is often preceded by various inflammations of the uterus and appendages;
• recently there were data on the relationship of many diseases of the cervix with hormonal disorders.

Therefore, the risk group for developing leukoplakia includes women with inflammation of the genital area, erosions and menstrual irregularities.

Cervical leukoplakia: symptoms and diagnosis

The disease most often occurs without any pronounced symptoms.symptoms. Usually, cervical leukoplakia is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist. Occasionally, women note painful intercourse and minor bloody discharge after it as signs of the disease. Sometimes, profuse discharge (leucorrhoea) can be called symptoms. If leukoplakia is suspected, the doctor will prescribe an examination, which includes:

• colposcopy: it will give an opportunity to assess the size and nature of the pathology, the state of the mucous membrane of the cervix;
• cytological examination - smear from the surface of the epithelium;
• biopsy of affected areas: since the smear usually does not show the occurrence of changes in the cells of the deep layers due to the stratum corneum, the biopsy is designed to detect the presence of altered (atypical) cells, which may indicate the transition of a simple form of pathology to a precancerous state.

Treatment of leukoplakia

If as a result of the research conducteda woman has been diagnosed with leukoplakia, this should not cause panic or lead to depression. The disease is successfully treated, and even with an atypical form, recovery is possible. Of course, with a diagnosis of cervical leukoplakia, treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor. No advice from traditional medicine or communication on forums can replace adequate treatment under the supervision of a gynecologist. When leukoplakia is combined with inflammatory processes and infections of the genital area, the doctor will first prescribe antibacterial or antifungal agents, treatment against chlamydia or trichomonas, depending on the nature of the concomitant disease. And only after eliminating it will it be possible to carry out high-quality treatment of leukoplakia. Therefore, it is important to carefully follow all the doctor's recommendations and not resort to self-medication. Douching with herbal decoctions or using tampons with sea buckthorn oil, aloe ointment, etc. agents that affect tissue metabolism, can contribute to the degeneration of cells and the development of a precancerous condition of epithelial cells in the affected areas. Accidental injury during these procedures can also affect the course of the disease. Among the means for treating leukoplakia in young nulliparous women, chemical coagulants are used. The agent is applied directly to the affected areas and destroys keratinized cells painlessly and completely, providing an effective cure in 74.5% of cases. During cryotherapy, the doctor affects the lesion with a very low temperature. Usually, this is a one-time procedure lasting from 2 to 5 minutes, depending on the extent of the affected area. The procedure is painless and is performed on an outpatient basis. Cure occurs in 75-96% of cases. In case of hormonal disorders, the disease may recur. The most modern method is laser vaporization. It is a bloodless, painless and contactless method. When exposed to a laser, the altered tissues evaporate, and a thin coagulation film is formed on the surface of the treated area, which prevents infection from penetrating the wound. Complete healing occurs on the 16th-40th day. In advanced cases associated with deformation and enlargement of the cervix, surgical treatment with excision of the affected area or amputation of the cervix may be required. Therefore, the only correct behavior in case of diagnosed leukoplakia is timely examination and treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

Preventive measures

Among the measures to prevent the appearance and development of cervical leukoplakia, we can name:

• early treatment of erosions, inflammations and infections of the female sexual sphere;
• prevention of trauma of the cervix during abortion or other manipulations;
• prevention of sexually transmitted diseases;
• observation in the endocrinologist for violations of the monthly cycle, treatment of hormonal disorders;
• visit a gynecologist for the purpose of preventive examination twice a year.

Take care of yourself and be healthy!

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